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LL COOL J Explains Why He Said He Wasn’t Going To Release Q-Tip Produced Album

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

After going hard in the paint to promote his upcoming project, an album that will be executively produced by Q-Tip, rapper-turned-mogul LL Cool J shot out a series of tweets that said the new music would not be coming.

Turns out, the Ladies Love was just kidding.

He addressed it in a new video on Instagram. He captioned the post, “Explanation behind my choice to not release my album.”

Then said in the clip, “Yo … ok… so everybody’s been asking me about the new record and my decision. I was considering not putting the record out because it’s too f##king good!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-oWPVPU3V/

“Q-tip, you a genius baby. Yo, this is my favorite album I ever made. I can’t wait for y’all to hear this,” he continued.

He then said that the date and track listing will be released soon.

While talking about the project around Grammy time, he said, “The album I think is really, really special. I think it’s something it’s modern without chasing. It’s a whole new thing. I can’t wait for the people to see it.”

The legend, that many consider to be the G.O.A.T., also said, “I think honestly and sincerely that Q-Tip as a producer is unbelievable and what he did on this record for me, I think is amazing. So the world will decide.”

Westside Gunn Teases Swizz Beatz, Pharrell & Mike Dean Collabs Following IG Hiatus

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Westside Gunn disappeared from social media for more than a month—but he’s back. Earlier this week, the self-proclaimed “Super FlyGod” shared a series of photos from his trip overseas. He simultaneously teased his next album, &Then You Pray For Me, alongside photos of Pharrell, Mike Dean and Swizz Beatz.

“40 Days 40 Nights… SUPER FLYGOD has RISEN!!!” he wrote in the caption. “For the past month, I’ve been living overseas learning and building, becoming the best designer I could possibly be, making my new album ‘& THEN U PRAY FOR ME’ and traveling with my son FLYGOD JR.

“I haven’t been on social media. I’ve been living a healthy, sucka free life and I just have a new energy. I wanna thank the fans for there concerns and truthfully I feel better than I ever have… stronger, smarter!!! I can’t wait to show u the new designs, drop the new music, and see the curations I’ve been putting together. GOD IS THE GREATEST. Now it’s ‘SUPER FLYGOD.’ WSGUNN doesn’t even exist anymore more. I LOVE YALL.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Co8CuDAtna1/

Westside Gunn canceled his European tour last month just hours before it was to begin in Amsterdam. The Griselda Records founder was ecstatic when he initially announced the tour. The 12-date run was expected to make stops in Paris, Vienna, Milan before wrapping up in Lisbon on February 10. He wrote on Instagram at the time: “10 yrs in the making. It’s time for me to see my supporters from all over the world. Y’all supported me for so long, it’s time I come give y’all FLYGOD LIVE!!!! We’ll all be family that night. I promise u you don’t wanna miss this.”

Westside Gunn’s most recent album, 10, arrived last year. It serves as the final installment of the Hitler Wears Hermes series. But, judging by his latest post, he’s not ready to put the mic down.

Projected Sales Of Adidas Down $1.3B After Kanye Split

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Want to see the power of Hip-Hop?

Adidas has officially credited the downturn of their profits to then severing ties with Kanye West.

According to MarketWatch, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, S&P Global Ratings lowered its long- and short-term debt ratings on the sneaker brand.

In 2021, the Yeezy deal made up 5% of the company’s total sales. This includes sneakers, clothing, and sporting goods. The company had also expected Yeezy to make up 7% of the sales for 2022.

With the severing of ties, the stock dropped more and Adidas knew it.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, Adidas sent out a profit warning saying that 2023’s sales would be in a slump because of the split. The German brand may be in the hole for about $1.3 billion, a fall of about 7% to 9%.

It seems they are reaching out to Yeezy in hopes to restore the deal.

As reported by AllHipHop.com, Kanye West was dropped as a collaborator with Adidas because of his statements against George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, and various antisemitic comments toward the Jewish Community.

This ending of the relationship substantially impacted West’s net worth, reducing him from billionaire to about $400 millionaire.

Now, people are cracking up and mocking the brand for regretting the haste.

“Adidas HQ crawling back to Kanye after losing billions,” one person wrote.

Another wrote, “Ye (fka Kanye West) & Adidas have reportedly reached an agreement to sell all remaining Yeezy inventory.”

“If we learn anything from this Kanye West & Adidas thing is cancel culture was never real,” someone stated.

Is Afrika Bambaataa Back Outside Despite Sexual Allegations?

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

Hip-Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa has been almost written out of the culture’s history. And, I have to admit, that’s a shame. The reality is numerous people have accused him of sexual improprieties around young boys. That’s no rumor, even though he’s never been convicted of any crimes. Often times, the statute of limitations has lapsed or the case is never pursued legally.

READ ALSO: Afrika Bambaataa May Lose Sex Abuse Lawsuit By Default

Nevertheless, several people have talked about it, and others have submitted anonymously to us what has allegedly occurred. Nevertheless, Afrika Bambaataa defended himself publicly in several key interviews. And when the dust settles, he’s still a free man and innocent under the law—the court of public opinion is a different story. As we celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop music, we don’t hear his name mentioned very much. And the crazy thing is, he’s the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, which is an international movement started in the Bronx. On top of that, he’s also a pioneering genius musician and one of the pillars of this thing of ours.

We haven’t seen him doing very much outside of being talked about in back door conversations. Is that going to change soon? Outside of the U.S., I would imagine Bam is not as disgraced. I’m getting word he’s now booking shows in other places. I’m not going to promote the place, but I’ve seen the bookings and he’s paired up with other legends. I wonder, as we get close to the 50th, will he “come outside” here in the States?

On another note, The Universal Zulu Nation has disputed the “birthdate” of Hip-Hop. They basically say they started before that infamous party that Kool Herc and his sister Cindy Campbell held at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx.

Here’s a refresher on Bam and what he’s done for Hip-Hop.

Is Drake Ready To Leave Hip Hop?

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: Rumors

OVO rapper Drake has made such a historical impact on music and culture, it is challenging to see what might be next for the Canadian chart-topper. He was in an interview with Quality Control hitmaker Lil Yachty.

Drake tweeted out a clip of him with Lil Boat talking about his future as a professional musician. He is captured in the video saying, “I think I’m at the point now where I just want to like — I think we talked about this the other day — but I feel like I’m kind of introducing the concept, in my mind, of a graceful exit?” 

Many took that to mean Drake too wanted out after having such a successful 16 years, smashing all kinds of records including having more #1 hits than anyone else in music history, according to Billboard.

One person said their “whole day ruined” because of the post.

Others said they were “not buying it,” being that Drake has a whole lot more that he can do in his career.

https://twitter.com/_Skeeze/status/1628885621644095488?s=20

Another agreed, writing, “This is the same man who said he was retiring at 35 and then a couple of years later said ‘sike.’ He’s not really going anywhere most likely, just slowing down his music output.”

While another said, “I don’t think he’s leaving music anytime soon. If he does he might go the jay z route and do features or drop albums here and there.”

Still, most people believe this idea was horrible, saying, “Welp I guess rap is officially done for if the GOAT leaves.”

Do you think the world is ready to say goodbye to one of its favorite artists?

Rihanna To Perform “Lift Me Up” At 2023 Oscars

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

The 95th Academy Awards will feature some major international star power. Barbadian singer Rihanna will perform “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at this year’s Oscar ceremony.

“Lift Me Up” scored a 2023 Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Rihanna, Tems, Ryan Coogler, and Ludwig Göransson are nominated in the category as the record’s songwriters.

Upon its release in October 2022, “Lift Me Up” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The Ludwig Göransson-produced track became Rihanna’s 32nd Top 10 entry.

Additionally, “Lift Me Up” made it to No. 3 on the Billboard Global 200 chart and the Billboard Global Excluding US chart. The song’s official music video has collected more than 89 million views on YouTube.

“Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman, “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick, “Naatu Naatu” from RRR, and “This Is a Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once are also competing for the next Best Original Song Oscar.

According to GoldDerby, “Naatu Naatu” is currently the favorite to win the Academy Award with “Lift Me Up” projected for a runners-up placement. The NAACP Image Awards did reward Rihanna with the Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album honor earlier this week.

With her upcoming performance at the Academy Awards on March 12, Rihanna will take part in a second high-profile television showcase in 2023. The 35-year-old billionaire headlined the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show on February 12.

Rihanna’s streaming numbers skyrocketed following her Super Bowl LVII set. The two-day totals rose 140% after she hit the stage at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. In addition, Riri’s Anti album jumped back into the Billboard 200 chart’s Top 10 for the first time since its release in 2016.

DDG Disses Ex-Girlfriend Rubi Rose On “Way Too Petty” Single

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Darryl Dwayne Granberry continues to lean into the online controversy surrounding his relationship status. Overnight, DDG released “Way Too Petty” which addresses his former partner, Rubi Rose.

The YouTuber-turned-recording artist and Rubi Rose have gone back and forth on social media for the last several weeks. On February 11, Rose seemed to throw shade at singer/actress Hailey Bailey, DDG’s girlfriend at the time, with a subliminal tweet.

“Having ur b#### where my clothes is crazy lol,” posted Rubi Rose. Gossip blogs were quick to point out that Bailey was seen wearing a similar shirt that Rose was photographed wearing in 2020. The situation escalated from there.

DDG: Hoes Screenshotting, That S### Lame

While rumors about DDG and Halle Bailey breaking up spread across the internet, Rubi Rose exposed alleged direct messages from DDG where the “Moonwalking in Calabasas” rhymer apparently reached out to her following an argument with Bailey.

The two rappers then blasted each other in front of the entire world. DDG called Rose irrelevant in a now-deleted tweet. Rose called him “sassy” in her own now-deleted tweet. This week, DDG decided to put his insults toward his ex on wax.

“Hoes screenshotting, that s### lame. Keep her on the side, she could never be my main. She just wanna make it, she be f###### for the fame. Posting pictures naked, baby, you should be ashamed,” rapped DDG on his “Way Too Petty” song.

“Way Too Petty” References Rubi Rose’s Tweets

DDG also rapped, “Tell them n##### do they research. I could fall off and come right back like it’s rebirth. Don’t believe the internet, it’s not that b####’s t-shirt.” That last line seems to be a clear reference to Rubi Rose’s “having ur b#### where my clothes” tweet.

Later on the track, DDG appears to admit to sending Rubi Rose those DMs. The Epic Records-backed performer says, “I don’t have a baby, but she still gonna call me daddy. When I sent that message, I was arguing with… I don’t give no f####. B####, I ain’t explaining nothing.”

Commenters on The Shade Room‘s Instagram post about “Way Too Petty” called out DDG for focusing so much attention on Rubi Rose. He jumped in the comments to write, “I don’t want that woman I swear. I explained it all in the song. 🥲 Can y’all stop hating me now? I come in peace.❤️ If [you’re] reading this [you] look beautiful today. Make sure you smile sweet heart 😊.”

PETA To Protest Ludacris’s SeaWorld Performance

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges will headline a February 26 show as part of SeaWorld’s Full Seven Seas Food Festival Concert series. Animal rights organization PETA will protest against the “Money Maker” rapper’s appearance at the amusement park in Orlando.

“Ludacris is using the marine park as a money maker, despite being informed that dolphins and whales at SeaWorld are confined to cramped tanks with nothing to do but swim in circles and lash out at each other in frustration,” says Tracy Reiman, PETA Executive Vice President. “PETA will be there fast and furious to let the public know that supporting marine prisons is ludicrous.”

PETA supporters and members of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida are planning to rally at SeaWorld Orlando on Sunday. Some protestors will wear “crying dolphin” costumes while others will have signs that read, “What’s My Fantasy? A Life Outside of SeaWorld!” Ludacris released a song titled “What’s Your Fantasy” in 2000.

SeaWorld has faced significant backlash from animal rights activists, particularly after the 2013 documentary Blackfish. The film covered the controversy over captive orcas at the marine zoological theme park chain. Last year, PETA claimed an orca at SeaWorld San Diego violently attacked its tankmate as park guests watched.

“The video released by PETA is misleading and mischaracterized. In fact, it shows common orca behaviors exhibited by both wild populations and those in human care as part of natural social interactions.  During the interaction, one of the orcas sustained some minor and superficial abrasions that pose no serious health risk,” read a statement from SeaWorld about the alleged orca attack in August 2022.

Ludacris’s upcoming performance at SeaWorld Orlando’s Bayside Stadium is one of several Full Seven Seas Food Festival Concerts. R&B/Dancehall singer Sean Kingston has a show planned for March 12. SeaWorld also booked Hanson, The Commodores, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and other acts for future dates.

Lil Wayne Reacts To Landing At No. 7 On 50 Greatest Rappers List

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Many Hip Hop fans have spent the last two weeks debating a Billboard/Vibe‘s 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time article. The publications ranked rappers, like Lil Wayne, based on body of work/achievements, cultural impact/influence, lyrics, and flow.

Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe spoke to Lil Wayne to discuss his new song “Kant Nobody” featuring the late emcee DMX. The conversation also included Weezy reacting to his No. 7 placement on the GOAT list behind Jay-Z (#1), Kendrick Lamar (#2), Nas (#3), 2Pac (#4), Eminem (#5), and The Notorious B.I.G. (#6).

“Man, who the hell is before me? Was the list including all Hip Hop, like before and after as well? I can deal with that,” said Wayne. “I will tell you that I am a m############ one. Everybody whose names you named, they also know I’m number one. Go ask them. They know what it is.”

Hip Hop has always had an element of competitiveness attached to it. Battles between breakdancers, deejays, graffiti artists, and rappers contributed to the rise of the culture in the 1970s and 1980s. Lowe also asked Wayne about the sports-like element of the culture.

“This is creativity. No one gets behind a mic, approaches a song, and says, ‘I’m making a song so it can be better than this one.’ If we all approached it that way, yeah it’d be a competition,” stated Lil Wayne. “This is creativity. Any individual who creates, this is their individuality. They’re putting their growth and creativity out there for you to enjoy. But we also know this is what the world does, so we have no problem with it.”

Lil Wayne released the “Kant Nobody” single featuring DMX this week. The Young Money Entertainment record label founder is preparing to drop Tha Carter 6 project. The sixth installment in the legendary album series will be Wayne’s first studio LP since 2020’s Funeral.

T.I. Fires Back With Receipts, Invites Haters To A “Paperwork Party” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

T.I. has been in damage control mode for the past few days after Lil Boosie called him a rat after a resurfaced video from 2020 showed Tip admitting to snitching on his dead cousin.  

The Baton Rouge artist, who has been vocal about his feelings on snitches in Hip-Hop, said he and the ATL rapper had a joint album coming. However, he claimed he thought T.I. was lying, but the recent controversy “ruined everything,” with fans telling him to cancel the project.  

“I woke up with my m############ phone, everything full,” he stated. “My real fans [are] like, ‘Boosie, you’re the last one left.’ They’re like, ‘You cannot put this album out.’ My uncle/OG n#### called me like, ‘Boosie… that album ain’t coming out.’” 

T.I. clapped back with a lengthy Instagram post, telling Boosie he could have picked up the phone.  

“My number the same & my address the same my n####,” he said. “To get on da net & speak on s### you’ve never spoke to me about is leaving me to believe you been hiding ya heart the whole time.”  

Tip added. “I’d NEVER speak ‘certain disrespect’ on your name/reputation bout a ‘IF’ homie. da convict code say When in doubt…pull the paperwork out!!! & ‘IF’ you ain’t did that.” 

During a recent interview, T.I. clarified the snitching situation, and claimed the story was taken out of context.  

“It was humor, sarcasm, and satire, it escaped them,” he explained after stating the story stemmed from a hypothetical scenario based on an actual event. “It came from a very real place, but I added embellishment to it to fit the needed discussion.”  

He then told Trap News Networx that the case was dismissed after the court discovered cops conducted an illegal search.  

T.I. Produces Court Paperwork

On Thursday, T.I. followed up with a post on his Instagram story, seemingly sharing the alleged court order and inviting others to do the same.  

“FYI…Can’t Nobody Who Got dey name in other people’s paperwork question me about mine!!!! I got it one me… we can have a paperwork party,” he wrote alongside the document.  

T.I. didn’t address Boosie directly but concluded by telling his haters to “PULL UP,” or shut up.  

Instagram: T.I.

Nas Reveals Hit-Boy’s Youth Inspires Him: “I’m Hooking Up My Jumper Cables To Him”  

By: London JennnCategory: News

Nas sparked an ageism debate in Hip-Hop last year after dropping King’s Disease III, with artists like 21 Savage branding the Queens icon “not relevant,” and Boosie stating most Nas Fans are dead. 

However, the elder statesman quickly neutralized the chatter with a new song, linking with 21 on “One Mic, One Gun.”  

During a new interview on The Late Show, 49-year-old Nas revealed that he draws inspiration from young rappers. The NYC icon, who released 4 studio albums in the last three years, admitted that while the lyricists his age have slowed down, he’s been “bit by the bug.” 

“I’m really trying to figure out what my next move is,” he explained to Stephen Colbert. “I feel like a lot of hip-hop artists my age are not putting out a lot of material, so I can’t look to them as reference. They kind of slowed down — for whatever reasons, I understand it’s a tough thing — but I got bit by the bug, man.” 

One such artist inspiring Nas is his King’s Disease collaborator, Hit-Boy, who executive-produced the trio of albums.  

“I collaborated with this cat Hit-Boy who’s like the best, and he’s produced all of those albums — King’s Disease I, II, III. We’re kind of inspiring ourselves at this point. It’s really interesting,’ he added. 

When asked what it is about Hit-Boy that inspires him, Nas replied, “Youth. He’s younger than me. I’m hooking up my jumper cables to him—and this is reciprocal because he’s getting some kind of wisdom from me. We’re just a perfect match.” 

Meanwhile, elsewhere during the interview, Nas revealed he saw Hip-Hop’s “potential” to become a global phenomenon back in the 80s.  Check out the conversation below. 

Ice-T Claims Jay-Z Confronted Him Over ‘99 Problems’: “It’s On The Internet That You Mad”  

By: London JennnCategory: News

Ice-T revealed that he and Jay-Z recently had a conversation about the West Coast legend’s 1993 song “99 Problems,” that Jay-Z repurposed over a decade later. 

The rapper/actor recalled his Grammy night conversation with Jay-Z during a recent appearance on Big Boy TV. According to Ice-T, Jay-Z approached him, asking, “You know I love you, right?” After Ice replied that he did, Hov stated, “Well, it’s on the internet that you mad.” 

Ice-T explained to Jay-Z that he wasn’t upset, adding, “They’re bringing up all kinds of interviews about it [‘99 Problems’]. They asked me the story, and I told them the true story.” 

Jay-Z told Ice-T “No hard feelings,” and the pair began reminiscing over old times. The Law & Order: SVU star recalled meeting Hov “way back in the day” after being introduced by Big Daddy Kane. “I used to take Jay around, him and Dame Dash, so we’re friends,” he added. 

However, Ice-T would have appreciated an acknowledgment from Jay-Z on the track. “At the end of the record, you could have said “ICE!’” he said with a laugh. Check out the clip below and watch the full episode at the end of the page.  

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A post shared by Big Boy's Neighborhood (@bigboysneighborhood)

Ice-T Says Jay-Z “Didn’t Steal The Record”

In 2014, Ice- T remade “99 Problems” for his Manslaughter project and revealed Jay Z “paid publishing,” for the song. He also explained that he’s not bothered that people forget it was his track originally.  

“You gotta remember, I’ve been on Law & Order 16 years,” he said during a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone. “So if a kid is 18, he was two years old when I went on Law & Order. So I don’t think everyone is historians and stuff. Jay Z went through all the correct procedures. He didn’t steal the record. He paid publishing.” 

Ice-T also echoed his current sentiment about Jay-Z, stating, “But you never heard him say, “It’s Ice-T’s record.”  

Later that year, he revealed how the song came about. Check out a clip from the the Radio.com interview below.

Nicki Minaj Previews New “Red Ruby Da Sleaze” Music Video: Watch 

By: London JennnCategory: News

After laying low for a few months, Nicki Minaj is in comeback mode, announcing a new single due next month. 

The “Super Freaky Girl” hitmaker emerged from her hiatus in her native Trinidad, hopping over to the island to turn up at carnival with a host of other legends from the nation. She dropped her first verse of the year days before flying out and performing during the annual festival. 

Nicki Minaj joined soca music icons Machel Montano and Destra on the “Shake The Place” remix. The trio of Trini stars performed the lively track from atop one of the carnival trucks.

Then on Thursday, Nicki Minaj made two major announcements, sending the Barbz into a frenzy. She took to Instagram to tell her fans that Queen Radio returns next month before revealing she has new music on the way.  

“#QueenRadio 3/3 @3pm PST,” she penned alongside a bikini pic. “Bad gyal don’t die die die Hunnit rounds on dat gratata 🦄😆👅😘♥️” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

Nicki followed up a few hours later to preview her new single, also due on Mar. 3,titled “Red Ruby Da Sleaze.” She also teased a new music video accompanying the track, filmed during her trip to Trinidad. Check out the visuals below.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

In a third post, Nicki Minaj also unveiled the song’s artwork, an image of the rapper posing in a restaurant. She sports half red and pink hair, tied in bunches with chopsticks and “Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier pon mi dress,” with “St. Laurent on the heel.”  

Nicki’s “Likkle Miss (Remix)” collaborator, Jamaican dancehall artist Skeng, got a shot out in the caption for “making that lil vid happen that we shot last night.”  

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A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

EXCLUSIVE: 2Pac Estate Scores Victory In Battle Over Makaveli Painting

By: Justin IveyCategory: Exclusives

A Texas judge granted a motion to dismiss claims against Tupac Shakur’s estate regarding ownership of the original Makaveli painting.

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Judge Jane Boyle dismissed the case without prejudice on Wednesday (February 22). Artist Ronald Brent, the Zelus Group and Leslie Ware wanted the judge to declare Ware the rightful owner of the painting, but the court ruled it had no jurisdiction over Tupac’s estate and Amaru Entertainment.

“Plaintiffs seek to hale Amaru to the Northern District of Texas for declaration as to the ownership and copyright of the Painting and Image, and their action is against Amaru directly and personally,” Judge Boyle wrote. “To conclude that the Court could assert jurisdiction over Amaru merely because of the painting’s presence in Texas would place ancient forms over modern notions of due process.”

Judge Boyle recapped the details of the ownership dispute in her ruling. Brent created the painting, which was used for the cover of Tupac’s posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.

“Today, the painting is in Dallas, Texas, and several parties lay claim to both the physical painting and its copyright,” the judge explained. “Plaintiffs Brent, Zelus, and Ware tell one tale of ownership. They allege that Brent retained ownership of the Makaveli painting until 2012 when he sold it to a third party, Mazuree Ali. In 2021, Ali then sold the painting to Zelus. Later that year, Zelus ‘contracted with Heritage Auctioneers & Galleries, Inc. to market and publicly auction the Makaveli painting.’ And, ultimately, Leslie Ware was the winning bidder.”

She continued, “By contrast, Amaru contends that Brent never ‘owned’ the Makaveli painting or image to begin with. Rather, because Brent was an employee for [Death Row Records], Amaru alleges that ownership of the painting and image stayed with DRR. Then, in 2013, Amaru, along with Tupac’s late mother, Afeni Shakur, filed an action to recover Tupac’s DRR recordings and related material, including album artwork. Ultimately, according to Amaru, the purported holder of the DRR materials quitclaimed and assigned the recordings and artwork to Amaru on January 1, 2022.”

The ownership battle began once the painting appeared on an online auction in May 2022. Amaru demanded the listing be removed. Tupac’s estate exchanged emails with Zelus about the painting before both sides took the dispute to court.

Tupac’s estate and Zelus pursued legal action in California and Texas, respectively. The auction moved forward with Ware winning the painting. The painting currently resides in his Dallas home.

EXCLUSIVE: Company Acts Like Kanye & Blows Off Sample Lawsuit But Court Isn’t Having It

By: Justin IveyCategory: Exclusives

Kano Computing, the company behind the Stem Player, took too long to respond to a lawsuit over a Kanye West song.

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Kano Computing was hit with an entry of default in the case. Trax Records sued Kanye and Kano, among others, for copyright infringement in 2022.

“It appears from the record that [Kano] failed to plead or otherwise defend in this case as required by law,” the Clerk of the Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana wrote. “Therefore, default is entered against the defendant as authorized by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55(a).”

Trax Records claimed Kanye sampled Marshall Jefferson’s house song “Move Your Body” without permission. Ye used the sample on his track “Flowers,” which appeared on the Donda 2 album. Kanye released the project exclusively on the Stem Player.

“Defendants have infringed Trax’s copyrights in the Master Recording, including by reproducing, distributing, adapting and digitally publicly performing the Master Recording without authorization, in violation of the Copyright Act,” the label’s lawyer argued. “Defendants’ acts of infringement are willful, in disregard of and with indifference to the rights of Trax.”

The attorney added, “As a direct and proximate result of the infringement by Defendants, Trax is entitled to damages and to Defendants’ profits in amounts to be proven at trial, and which are not currently ascertainable. Alternatively, Trax is entitled to maximum statutory damages of $150,000 for each copyright infringed.”

Marshall Jefferson’s publisher Ultra International Music Publishing also sued Kanye and Kano over the unauthorized sample. Last year, Kano cut ties with Ye due to his antisemitism.

EXCLUSIVE: Nicki Minaj Demands Blogger Pay Up For Dissing Her Kid And Ignoring Lawsuit

By: Justin IveyCategory: Exclusives

Nicki Minaj requested a default judgment in her defamation lawsuit against blogger Nosey Heaux.

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Nicki Minaj’s lawyer Judd Burstein asked the Clerk of the Court to issue a certificate of default on Thursday (February 23). Burstein said Nosey Heaux, whose real name is Marley Green, failed to respond to the lawsuit.

“Defendants have not answered or otherwise moved with respect to the complaint and the time for them to do so has expired,” Burstein wrote.

Nicki Minaj sued Green in September 2022. Attorney Bobby Samini, who’s representing Green, agreed to accept service for the blogger in October 2022.

Burstein served Green by emailing a copy of the summons and complaint to Samini in October 2022. Nicki Minaj’s lawyer proposed extending the deadline to respond in December 2022.

The court approved the request, setting a new deadline of January 16, 2023. But Burstein never heard back from Green.

Nicki Minaj pursued legal action against Green after the blogger accused the rapper of using cocaine. The 40-year-old artist also took issue with remarks about her child.

“The Defendants herein have outrageously defamed [Nicki Minaj] by posting a video on their Twitter page in which Defendant Marley Green, who goes by the name of ‘Nosey Heaux,’ falsely and maliciously stated that [Nicki Minaj] is a ‘cokehead’ who is ‘shoving all this cocaine up her nose,’” Burstein wrote in the lawsuit. “Further, evidencing a fundamental lack of decency, Green has also posted vile comments about [Nicki Minaj’s] one year-old son. While these comments are not actionable, they nonetheless demonstrate why punitive damages should be awarded in this case.”

Burstein insisted his client never used cocaine. The lawyer claimed Green acted with “actual malice” because she knew the allegation was false or at least “knew that there was a high probability that it was false.”

Nicki Minaj is seeking at least $75,000 in damages.

Kay Flock Hit With Additional Charges While In Custody For Murder

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Kay Flock faces more criminal charges a little over a year after he was arrested for murder.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced an indictment against Kay Flock and several alleged gang members on Thursday (February 23). The 19-year-old artist and five fellow members of the Sev Side gang were charged with racketeering conspiracy, among other crimes.

Three men connected to the Third Side gang were indicted for racketeering conspiracy and related charges. Prosecutors say the Third Side gang is closely affiliated with Sev Side.

“Over a span of several years, the members of these gangs allegedly terrorized neighborhoods in the Bronx and Manhattan by killing and shooting other people,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a press release. “Through these charges, we will hold Sev Side and Third Side members responsible for plaguing our communities with gun violence.”

Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, was previously accused of killing a 24-year-old man in December 2021. Police arrested him a week after the shooting.

The drill rapper was charged with first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in 2021. He remained in state custody until the indictment.

Kay Flock has been transferred to federal custody. His new charges include racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm resulting in death, attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm for attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Alyze Elyse Brings You ‘Neus’

By: Jake CratesCategory: Lifestyle

 This film will definitely be one for the culture

With over 150 million streams on Major Platforms such as Amazon Prime, Tubi, Xumo and so many more to say the least. Certified Record Breaking Independent Filmmaker Alyze Elyse is now bringing to the mainstream a new project titled “NEUS”. This film presents the opportunity to enlighten  black culture to understand the purpose they serve in this civil society that has mislead the culture with false narratives of their true value.         

Alyze Elyse has brought together an amazing cast of upcoming actors such as Corey Jones, Terri Montrel, Michael Foster, James Glenn, and June Buckner along with the collective of HipHop artist and Poets Jamaar Milton, Mr.Rozzi, and Bubsy Millions.NEUS is set to release worldwide on Amazon Prime MARCH 31st.

For more info: Go to www.alyzeelyse.com

Elementary School Gym Teaching Assistant Arrested For Licking And Tickling 7-year-old Foot

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

A Georgia grade school gym paraprofessional has been locked up for violating a 7-year-old student at the amusement park during a class trip.

According to Law & Crime, on Wednesday, Feb. 15, Caurey Verlon Rollins was arrested and charged with one count of non-aggravated child molestation in connection with the disturbing incident.

The school went to the Urban Air Adventure Park on Wednesday, Jan. 14,  Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reports. During the trip, he allegedly told the boy to take off his socks and then proceeded to tickle and lick his toes.

William Gilbert, the owner of the park, told law enforcement that Rollins was alone inside a fenced-in area that was only supposed to be for little children to play. The child, who was there at the park with his friend and friend’s mom, was in the area playing.

The Augusta Press reports that the Glenn Hills Elementary school worker walked up to the young victim and  “tickled his feet, asked him to remove his socks and eventually licked both of the victim’s feet.”

The story gets more bizarre as the warrant for his arrest says man allegedly pulls out his phone and turns on the flashlight.

Caitlin Phillips, the woman who was watching the child, said, “[The victim] said ‘there was an adult and he asked me to sit down in front of him and he um, wanted me to remove my socks and started rubbing on my feet. And then he started licking them’ — like, licking his toes.”

Authorities say that Rollins first claimed he was meeting with a family there who had just left. In his elaborate lie he said he was waiting for his cousin and was talking to him through Snapchat.

“Caurey Rollins stated he never met his cousin at Urban Air Adventure Park,” a report says.

However, it was later learned by investigators that the man was lying. He came alone to the children’s haven.

As of Tuesday, Jan. 17, Rollins has been placed on unpaid leave for an “undetermined number of days” from the Richmond County school.

The school is waiting for the investigation into the child abuse allegations to be complete before taking further action.

School district spokeswoman Keisa Gunby did not comment to the press about if there were other allegations against him.

However, on Saturday, Feb. 11, days before his arrest, he sent an email to the district, resigning from his job— one where he had access to multiple students the same age as the victim.

He wrote, “I appreciate everything you have done for me so far, but it is in my best interest to step down from the Board of Education and seek other employment.”

 Rollins remains in the Richmond County Detention Center without bond.

R. Kelly Sentenced In Chicago Trial; Expected To Be Eligible For Release When He Is 80

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Disgraced singer R. Kelly has just received his sentencing for crimes committed over decades against girls, boys, and women in Chicago.

On Thursday, Feb. 23, U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber sentenced the man, who once called himself R&B’s Pied Piper, to an additional year consecutive to his 30-year term out of federal court in New York, and 19 concurrent years on convictions related to child pornography and sexual conduct with minors, according to the Chicago Tribune.

This was a strategic move. A longer sentence in Cook County would make sure the artist/ producer would remain behind bars if his New York conviction was ever overturned on appeal. 

The judge also believes that with such a long sentence, Kelly likely not re-offend if he ever gets out.

“He was grooming young girls when he was in his 20s, he was a millionaire and he was a superstar,” Leinenweber said. “… Few girls would be susceptible to his charms as an 80-year-old with no money and no prospects.”

Others commented, including the prosecution.

“(Kelly) for decades has been sexually abusing girls intentionally and with willful disregard, meaning he knew what he was doing was wrong and criminal and he did it anyway,” Assistant United States Attorney Jeannice Appenteng said.

The Grammy Award-winning artist’s lawyer Jennifer Bonjean said her client wanted to speak out but she has advised him not to. She reminded the press that he was a victim of sexual trauma as a young person also, and that “shaped his view of women, shaped his view of sex, shaped his view of the world.”

“I think you don’t need to be a Ph.D. to connect the dots here,” she said.

The key witness in the trial, R. Kelly’s former goddaughter “Jane,” had a statement read by her attorney in the court.

She wanted for her abuser to spend “the balance of his natural born life” in prison for what he did to her.

“When your virginity is taken by a pedophile at the age of 14 and you live for him, your life is never your own,” attorney Christopher Brown read from Jane’s statement. “I will never be able to unsee, unthink or be unaffected by the child pornography I was enticed to engage in. I thought Robert loved me. To do the things he did, he in fact loathed me.”

Jane was only one of the victims that spoke out. Probably the most notable. She was featured in the video that was at the center of the 2008 trial that he was acquitted of, AllHipHop.com reports.

The current Chicago federal trial lasted for five weeks and featured some 34 witnesses. 

Bonjean, who was key in getting Bill Cosby free from jail, is appealing Kelly’s conviction and sentence in Brooklyn’s federal court. The lawyer also plans to appeal Kelly’s conviction in Chicago to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.